"Appleton, Victor - Tom Swift Sr 020 - Tom Swift in the Land of Wonders" - читать интересную книгу автора (Appleton Victor)

come across the ancient manuscripts in the tomb of some old Indian whose
mummy he unearthed on a trip to Central America.

``Then he tells of the trouble he had in discovering how to solve the
key to the translation code; but when he did, he found a great story
unfolded to him.

``This story has to do with the hidden city, and tells of the ancient
civilization of those who lived in the Copan valley thousands of years ago.
The people held this idol of gold to be their greatest treasure, and they
put to death many of other tribes who sought to steal it.''

``Whew!'' whistled Ned. ``That is some yarn. But what is Professor
Bumper going to do about it?''

``I don't know. The article seems to be written with an idea of
interesting scientists and research societies, so that they will raise
money to conduct a searching expedition.

``Perhaps by this time the party may be organized -- this magazine is
several months old. I have been so busy on my stabilizer patent that I
haven't kept up with current literature. Take it home and read it! Ned.
That is if you're through telling me about my affairs,'' for Ned, who had
formerly worked in the Shopton bank, had recently been made general
financial manager

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of the interests of Tom and his father. The two were inventors and
proverbially poor business men, though they had amassed a fortune.

``Your financial affairs are all right, Tom,'' said Ned. ``I have just
been going over the books, and I'll submit a detailed report later.''

The telephone bell rang and Tom picked up the instrument from the
desk. As he answered in the usual way and then listened a moment, a strange
look came over his face.

``Well, this certainly is wonderful!'' he exclaimed, in much the same
manner as when he had finished reading the article about the idol. ``It
certainly is a strange coincidence,'' he added, speaking in an aside to Ned
while he himself still listened to what was being told to him over the
telephone wire.

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Chapter 2